Hello, I’m Andy.
New to the forum,
I’m from the Warwickshire erea.
I’ve been keenly into kit cars for a number of yr’s now,
Having attended the National kitcar show a few times
at Stoneleigh.

I’m particularly interested in the Italian replicas,
More so the Diablo vt roadster.

haven’t really done any homework on a kitcar build,
Reason being,
I know nothing about cars in general, or anything mechanical.
However,
Im a welder by trade if that can be of any use?
But recently, I’ve developed a strong passion to
Look into actually building My very own Diablo vt roadster,
I’ve always had a great passion for performance cars,
Namely Lamborghini.

Has anyone with no previous build experience
had success building what looks like such
a complex build as the Diablo vt roadster,
Or would this be quite possibly to much for a newbie
To build.

Well what I perceive as a complex build as I don’t have any previous
Build experience.

Would this be something for someone as Myself to take on such a project.

I do know that there is a company “D.C. Supercars”
That provide the chassis, and the body shell etc etc.

I do have a budget for the project.
The powerplant, wheels I would like to incorporate
Into the build.
Still in the early stages of researching, such as tools required
For such a project.
And finding the right suitable place to take on such a project.

I have so many question’s.
And hope someone in the know who has experience
Building their own dream kit, could offer Myself good sound advice.
Thanks for reading.

Last edited by K.C.NewbieUk; 16th March 2019 at 17:24..
Reason: Added content

What I perceive as a complex build as I don’t have any previous build experience.

Generally speaking, unless you are building a complete kit of new parts, such as a Caterham or Westfield, where every last nut and bolt is supplied along with a comprehensive build manual, most builds are complex.

Unfortunately, Lamborghini kits are notoriously complex as the original cars set a very high standard of finish to live up to. As what would the point be of driving a ‘cheap and nasty’ replica?

Whereas, I built something that just had to evoke the general spirit of the 1950s, not a specific car.
(See photos below.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I do have a budget for the project. The powerplant, wheels I would like to incorporate into the build.

Linked to the answer above, you will also need to budget for a leather interior, nice mirrors, the ‘correct’ style of lights, etc.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Has anyone with no previous build experience had success building… / Would this be quite possibly too much for a newbie to build.

I’m an accountant by trade and, prior to my own kit car build, I had never welded, worked with fibreglass, used rivets, painted a car, sewn leather, etc. Also, I didn’t have a garage, so most of my build was done outside.

Yet, despite all this, I was able to build my first kit car to an acceptable (to me) standard, so anything is possible.

So the good news is that if you want it bad enough you might be surprized at what you can achieve.

The bad news is that my build took almost 5 years and almost broke me. The sheer scale of the task of building a car is the number one reason that kit cars are started, but never finished. Well, that and the fact that “life” has a long tradition of getting in the way of a build and you should always put family before a kit car.

I found this photo summed up the feeling of a never ending “To Do” list.

So do your research and do not underestimate the amount of time you will have to spend on the build.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And finding the right suitable place to take on such a project.

Do you mean somewhere for you to work on the car, or finding a professional garage to build the car for you?

As the cost of paying someone else to build a Lambo for you would run into tens of thousands.

Or do you mean finding somewhere for you to build the car like a lock up garage?

Whatever you mean, under no circumstances think it is a good idea to build a car on your driveway.

Without doubt, this was the dumbest idea I’ve ever had and I have done some dumb things in my time.

Jokes aside, if you do not have a suitable garage near your house you are making like difficult for yourself.

As you will need to add the travel time, plus think about security of parts and tools and will the lock up have power and light?

Hi Paul.
And Thank you for such a detailed reply
And too the links.
It’s much appreciated

looks pretty damn awesome by the way.
Great colour.
Is that British racing green?
You’ve done an excellent job

And yes, I have access to an unused double garage
Complete with electrics, & heating,
Located on the property of a relative, Wich I’ve been welcomed to use
Until there move in a few yrs time.
So allowing Me without undue worries of relocating the build.
Plus My working hrs are ideal for such a project,
I finish 2pm wk days and Fridays off (with pay, I’m very lucky)
Wich allows quality time with My children, and putting in
The blood sweat & tears as they say on the build.
If I can be of further annoyance.
Please feel free to reply to further questions I may I have.
Thanks again Paul

Go to Stoneliegh and talk with the kit supplier. Get an idea about likely costs and time scales to build etc. Expect this project to be a major investment of both time and money. If a comprehensive kit is available buy that and don't try to cut corners. As your first build you can double any hours they quote and costs can rise quickly if you want your build to progress.
You will need at least a double garage with a good selection of tools ready to go. Your welding skills shouldn't be needed with this style of kit, all the work is done for you.

Hi Lucky.
Your support is appreciated
And yes, the 5&6th May are already booked in
On my Calendar for Stoneleigh,
and can’t wait
I have a budget, and have taken into account of
Over budget, Wich is why I’ve allowed 10k over
But not a penny more.
If My homework is correct, it should be ok (hoping, lol)
I’m also hoping Clive will be there
representing D.C supercars, fingers crossed.
I’m still in the very premature stages, as I need to ensure
I’ve done all the necessities possible to ensure a
Successful build.
Also need to find out the tools I will be required for the project.
Just a bit nervous if I’m honest about the whole thing,
As I’ve stated, I’ve never done anything like this before,
And I certainly don’t want to cut corners in anyway shape or form.
I have a good friend who works with bmw engines,
It may be worth asking if he can recondition the v12 powerplant. And give it extra kick.
Failing that, I will have to find another source.
Garage is sorted already, having access to a double garage.
Thank you again, and hopefully speak soon.

Welcome,
I would possibly suggest start with another car first.... Something that's easier to build maybe like a tribute swb or gto as they are almost just body swaps .... Gain some experience doing that .... Then once it's done .... sell that car and if you're more confident and experiencd ... Move on to the kit you want.
I know it's a long winded way of getting your dream kit but it might help you test the water as far as your ability is concerned.

I looked at doing a kit from scratch a good few years ago. Advice at the time was to allow 3-5 years elapsed time for a novice. I couldn't wait that long, so was content to get a doer upper, and that, combined with the normal kit car repairs and maintenance took plenty of time. By all means don't give up on your dream, but be aware of the investment (and sacrifices) involved. If you have kids, give the time to them is my advice.

Welcome,
I would possibly suggest start with another car first.... Something that's easier to build maybe like a tribute swb or gto as they are almost just body swaps .... Gain some experience doing that .... Then once it's done .... sell that car and if you're more confident and experiencd ... Move on to the kit you want.
I know it's a long winded way of getting your dream kit but it might help you test the water as far as your ability is concerned.

Thanks for the advice C.p.
That may not be a bad solid piece of advice,
I only have one budget and one shot at doing this dream project
Only once.
And to be fair, I could do with some experience under My belt.
Thank you for your advice

I looked at doing a kit from scratch a good few years ago. Advice at the time was to allow 3-5 years elapsed time for a novice. I couldn't wait that long, so was content to get a doer upper, and that, combined with the normal kit car repairs and maintenance took plenty of time. By all means don't give up on your dream, but be aware of the investment (and sacrifices) involved. If you have kids, give the time to them is my advice.

Hi Barber and thank’s for your input
May I ask, what kit did you end up purchasing.
3-5 yrs does seem a long time,
Thing is, if it’s something your passionate about,
Then it’s incorporated within your lifestyle.
I do have family, My children,
My work is great hrs Wich allow Me to finish around 2pm
So pretty much all My free time is spent with them,
So I’m sure I can work out a healthy balance of quality family time
And a project.
A valid point you made. Cheer’s

Hi Barber and thank’s for your input
May I ask, what kit did you end up purchasing.
3-5 yrs does seem a long time,
Thing is, if it’s something your passionate about,
Then it’s incorporated within your lifestyle.
I do have family, My children,
My work is great hrs Wich allow Me to finish around 2pm
So pretty much all My free time is spent with them,
So I’m sure I can work out a healthy balance of quality family time
And a project.
A valid point you made. Cheer’s

I bought an NG TF which is based on MGB running gear. Even I can understand the mechanics, and was able to change piston rings (forced on me by a blue smoke plume visible from hundreds of yards away), leaf springs, various minor fixes. I also replaced the plus 2 seating with a lockable storage box, as I generally drove it without the rag top. plenty of tinkering with the SU carbs too.

Cool, so this was your first project I take it.
Do you think from your experience, you would be
Able to tackle something a bit more complex having
Done what you have with your present build.
Can you see yourself with another project further down road.
I can imagine it would be such a buzz having completed your
First build, regardless of what stage you started at within the build.
Are you able to put a shot up.

Thanks for the advice C.p.
That may not be a bad solid piece of advice,
I only have one budget and one shot at doing this dream project
Only once.
And to be fair, I could do with some experience under My belt.
Thank you for your advice

No worries, I understand not wanting to try something else and just go for what you want ---- I suppose I was thinking that alot of kit builds can get 'stuck' in the build process by people taking on more than they can handle and just didn't want to think of you ending up in one of those scenarios.

my own kit took about 6 months to complete although I did get some help from a friendly mechanic as some of the work was out of my comfort zone (he did stuff in between other jobs a bit at a time) - if he's have just been working on mine alone I reckon most of the work would have been done in around 3 weeks!

My first build was a Cobra replica in the late 1980's. That one took me 2 years working evenings and weekends. I was single at the time so I could work on it whenever I wanted!
You can expect to hit the "wall" about half way through and wonder why you ever started. Take a break for a month or two then get on with it. Most kit builders go through that stage, its quite normal !
I've lost count of projects since then that I've built but it must be 15 20 by now.

Cool, so this was your first project I take it.
Do you think from your experience, you would be
Able to tackle something a bit more complex having
Done what you have with your present build.
Can you see yourself with another project further down road.
I can imagine it would be such a buzz having completed your
First build, regardless of what stage you started at within the build.
Are you able to put a shot up.

I will have to look out some pics, I sold it about 10 years ago to pay for my wife's dental work. Look up NGTF and imagine it inLotus Red. But the truth is, open top, flat screen kits are not a lot of fun above 50 mph in my opinion except for the thrill of the acceleration, but that is just me tuned to comfort. The trick is to break it down into projects, and the car is the programme. Lucky LM will have more, better advice. I'd guess add 50 percent to his Cobra build time. The Cobra kits were all pretty well honed, with bags of advice from fellow builders.

Hi I would say plan your build decide the main components and try to stick to them and engine change late on is costly, decide on wheels as some wheels don't come in the right stud pattern. It sounds silly but I got ford adaptors pcd 108 and the wheels I like are pcd 100 so think before you leap my build has had 5 engines so far I talked to lots of people and went with there advice but some times you need to go with your hart with what you want, even if it seems wrong to others.

Hi Kieth.
Thanks for the input.
I’m greatful to all so far with their sound advice.
And hope at some point I too can look forward
to advise newcomers to this awesome world of kits.
Regardless of weather I decide to start off with something a bit more simple for a first build, get some experience behind Me,
I’m allowing for as long as it takes to thoroughly research
My ultimate goal of building the Diablo.
I’ve started out firsthand so far on a budget.
The power plant I have in mind, would be a bmw v12,
Not sure on the gearbox as yet, I need to look further
Into that,
Same goes for the wheels, I’m not sure if other Diablo
Builders actually use authentic, or extremely good copy’s.
Something else along with 1001 other things, lol.
I did look into already about a turnkey build,
Having looked into that,
I was quoted around the 30/40k mark. Just
For the build/labour! Nearly passed out, lol.
So, a home build project it will be.
Plus, it’ takes all the fun & pride of actually doing something
Your passionate about too.
I’m not sure either what the total build cost would be
at this point,
I realise source of materials etc can vary greatly also.
I’m looking for a pretty decent spec.
I may find My budget is way off under
But won’t know until I research.
Around the 35/40k mark with a possible 10k aside for
Over budget. I can’t go above this.
That’s at a skimp and save as it is. Lol.

Last edited by K.C.NewbieUk; 17th March 2019 at 19:20..
Reason: Added content

That sounds like a very healthy budget to start with so should be able to find what you are looking for, as for existing experience you are a skilled welder so with all the knowledge available on the web you should be ok as you are skilled with your hands I had not done any metal work since leaving school.

It’s actually quite a useful skill to have to be fair Keith.
It’s one of those where pretty much anyone with an interest
And a drive for Working with metal’s, say for a hobbiest,
Or you just want to mend that trailer
or metal rail etc.
Can learn the basics of mig or arc,
Although arc can be quite tricky especially when starting out.
Alloy tig is another skill.
Personally, I enjoy them all, but tend to lean more towards
Mig mild steel.
Rouph robust, and extremely strong,
Although depending on its use, and wall gauge thickness,
and great for say if your thinking about
Fabricating your very own spaceframe chassis.
Saying that,
Arc is perfect too for that.
I’m pretty sure the Lambo kit comes with its own
spaceframe I believe,
But yep, quite a handy trade to have def.
Just looking forward to Stoneleigh now lol

Last edited by K.C.NewbieUk; 17th March 2019 at 20:29..
Reason: Added content

I have a few friends who have built DC and Parallel Diablos. My first thing to say would be to make sure you have driven one. My all time favourite car was/is the Diablo but I found I don't fit and can't drive it! I'm 6'1/6'2 ish and my head was squished on the roof.
The VT Roadster my friend had was a little better though (with roof closed), but have a sit and make sure!